Curried Beef a la Tim

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound stew beef, cubed

1 ½ teaspoons curry powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons tomato paste

¼ cup water

1 onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

½ cup raisins

1 apple - peeled, cored, and chopped

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meat in the hot oil and saute until well browned on all sides. Sprinkle the curry powder, salt, and ground black pepper over the meat and stir well.

In a small bowl, mix together tomato paste and water, then stir mixture into skillet. Stir in onion, celery, and raisins, then reduce heat to low and simmer for thirty minutes, or until beef is tender.

Stir apple into skillet and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until apple is tender and sauce has thickened.